Election Commission Finalizes Preparations for House of Representatives Election Scheduled for February 21

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has announced that all preparations for the House of Representatives election, 2082, have reached the final stage. The House of Representatives election is scheduled for February 21. On Friday, the Commission held a press conference where Commission Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai informed that the electoral preparation work has reached its final phase. According to the Commission, ballot papers, ballot boxes, and all election materials have reached every district.

Furthermore, the Commission stated that voter education programs are ongoing, with volunteers mobilized in 6,743 wards across 753 local levels to provide voter education.

The Commission also informed that employees and security personnel assigned to polling centers have begun departing for their posts, and a request has been made to the Government of Nepal and the respective local levels to make available the physical structures such as schools, health institutions, and ward offices serving as polling centers for election duties.

The Commission also stated during the press conference that necessary decisions have been made regarding election security, operation and facilitation of essential services, and coordination and management of the election and voting process.

Moreover, the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee is continuing the process of investigating and taking action on complaints received by the Commission to ensure effective adherence to the election code of conduct and minimize violations.

The Commission stated, 'The Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer, security agencies, and the offices of the concerned Election Officers are active for the effective implementation of the code of conduct.' The Commission's statement mentioned that out of 254 complaints received via email, direct registration, and media reports by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, clarifications were sought in 88 cases, and responses were received in 57 cases.

The statement issued by the Commission noted that among the clarifications sought, 4 were directed at political parties and 33 were directed at candidates.

'Additionally, 51 clarifications were sought from government/educational institutions/employees and other individuals. Regionally, there were 8 in Koshi Province, 13 in Madhesh Province, 40 in Bagmati Province, 6 in Gandaki Province, 7 in Lumbini Province, 4 in Karnali Province, and 4 in Sudurpaschim Province,' the Commission stated.

Decision on Action

To ensure effective adherence to the code of conduct and minimize violations, the Commission has decided on action after investigating complaints received, including seeking clarifications from the concerned political parties, candidates, and bodies.

Under this, the Commission decided to impose a fine of Rs. 25,000 (Twenty-five Thousand) on Shakti Bahadur Basnet, the House of Representatives candidate for Jajarkot Constituency No. 1 of the CPN (Communist Party of Nepal), for acting contrary to Clause (Jha) and (Na) of Sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, in accordance with Sub-section (3) of Section 23 of the Election Commission Act, 2073, and Sub-section (1) of Section 48 of the same Code of Conduct.

Similarly, the Commission also decided to fine Dr. Kamal Bhusal (Nicholas Bhusal), the candidate from the Nepal Janaseva Party, and Shram Sanskriti Party in Rupandehi Constituency No. 2, twenty-five thousand rupees each.

Other Decisions Are As Follows: